Curators
SOC Code: 25-4012
Curators carries a 40% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $61,770 and +7.0% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 15,100 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Curators (SOC 25-4012) carries an AI exposure score of 40%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 15,100 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +7.0% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $61,770, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Master's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Curators. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Plan and organize the acquisition, storage, and exhibition of collections and related materials, including the selection of exhibition themes and designs, and develop or install exhibit materials.
- 2. Develop and maintain an institution's registration, cataloging, and basic record-keeping systems, using computer databases.
- 3. Plan and conduct special research projects in area of interest or expertise.
- 4. Provide information from the institution's holdings to other curators and to the public.
- 5. Negotiate and authorize purchase, sale, exchange, or loan of collections.
- 6. Study, examine, and test acquisitions to authenticate their origin, composition, history, and to assess their current value.
- 7. Inspect premises to assess the need for repairs and to ensure that climate and pest control issues are addressed.
- 8. Write and review grant proposals, journal articles, institutional reports, and publicity materials.
- 9. Design, organize, or conduct tours, workshops, and instructional or educational sessions to acquaint individuals with an institution's facilities and materials.
- 10. Attend meetings, conventions, and civic events to promote use of institution's services, to seek financing, and to maintain community alliances.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Complex Problem Solving
- Active Learning
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Monitoring
- Systems Analysis
Knowledge Areas
- English Language
- History and Archeology
- Fine Arts
- Administration and Management
- Sociology and Anthropology
- Communications and Media
- Administrative
- Education and Training
- Geography
- Customer and Personal Service
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Curators?
Curators has an AI exposure score of 40%, indicating a high level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Curators?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Curators is projected to grow by 7.0% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 15,100 workers.
What skills are needed for Curators?
Key skills for Curators include Reading Comprehension, Speaking, Active Listening, and others. Typical entry-level education is Master's degree.
How much do Curators earn?
The median annual wage for Curators is $61,770, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Curators?
The typical entry-level education for Curators is Master's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Curators?
Curators roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).